Olivia is training as an emergency medical technician so she recognises the symptoms when her boss in the diner has a stroke. His hospitalisation won't just mean a change in work schedules for her; it brings the man's son home from Afghanistan. In THE HERO'S SWEETHEART we see how a small town pulls together, namely Eagle Point, and how we can value someone more by looking under the surface.

Jack Sullenberger isn't just any soldier, he's made Major General, but his career has come at a cost. He didn't know his father Sully had outstanding loans on the diner, which Sully couldn't pay. Now the situation is dire and standing in the Eagle Point Trauma Centre with an ill father and his rock chick employee, Jack has to wonder if he can return to service. And who is this Olivia Abbott anyway? Jack wants to get to know the girl his father obviously likes, but he needs to maintain distance from his staff. Especially as he has in mind to show some of them the door.

Olivia can't help others knowing she has asthma, but she tries to conceal her dyslexia and works hard at the diner as well as on her medical education. Her life is stressful enough without a military man glowering at her, barking orders, and taking upsetting calls from the bank. She resents having changes imposed on the easygoing staff. Although opening early does bring in a breakfast crowd.

I enjoyed reading about the two people getting to know each other through the challenges of turning around the failing diner, various staff personal issues, and winter weather. One aspect baffled me—diner staff are unlikely to be so well paid they would contribute to the cost of new kitchen equipment when a man with a major general's salary and no family is paying. The difficulties keep increasing and it's clear change is on the way, but we are kept guessing as to how the tale will work out. Cheryl Wyatt has written four previous books in the Eagle Point Emergency series, but THE HERO'S SWEETHEART works perfectly well as a standalone. This is an inspirational romance with some solidly grounded life lessons, suitable for any age. I will definitely be reading more by Cheryl Wyatt.